Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2025

Cloudy Bay was one of the first wineries in Marlborough, set in the eastern Wairau Valley on New Zealand's South Island and now owned by LVMH. This Sauvignon Blanc is the wine that built the region's name. Marlborough's cool maritime climate, its long sunlight hours and its stony, free-draining alluvial soils give Sauvignon Blanc pungent aromatics and searching acidity, while cool nights lock in freshness. The fruit is picked across a range of ripeness to layer green, herbal notes against riper tropical ones. Fermentation is cool to protect the aromatics, and a period on the fine lees adds a rounder mid-palate and a subtle savoury depth without softening the wine's cut. There is no oak. The colour is pale yellow with a greenish tint. The nose is vivid, with lime, passion fruit and elderflower over green olive and a herbal, thyme-like note. The palate is dry and taut, the lees weight filling out a core of bright acidity that drives a long, zesty finish. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. It works as an aperitif and alongside shellfish, white fish, salads and fresh goats cheese.